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Rob Gronkowski did his best today to shoot down any notion this was going to be the week he would finally make his return after spending the first five weeks of the regular season working to make sure he was good-to-go after off-season surgeries on his forearm and back.

''Basically, nothing new,'' Gronk said today when asked his status. ''Just working hard every week. Working hard at practice. Nothing's changed. We're day-by-day like we've been from the very beginning. It's all about the New England Patriots versus the New Orleans Saints this weekend. It's going to be exciting. They've got a good team.''

On Wednesday, we reported that nothing had yet been decided definitely with regard to his playing status for Sunday's game with the Saints. Pro Football Talk reported that he was expected to play.

The tight end kept the company line, and didn't bite on any leading questions. He just provided his usual answers laced with the fact he's working hard, and improving every week.

Asked how he'd feel when he finally does get out there on the field, Gronk said it would be a great feeling.

''Obviously, I'm working hard towards that goal. I'm working hard every day to achieve that,'' he said. ''So, it's going to be exciting when it happens. It's going to be awesome.''

Gronkowski wouldn't say what would get him over the final hurdle, or what he needed to feel physically to get him back on the field. He's just taking it "day-by-day" as he pulled out that familiar refrain constantly.

How ready would he feel, if he's cleared for Sunday?

''Obviously, when I started at the beginning, conditioning was pretty rough,'' he said. ''That's what practicing is for, and working hard is for. Just improving every week, taking it day-by-day, and we'll be super-excited when I get out there.''